News and events

An Evening With Paul McShane and John O'Shea

The Reading FC Former Players' Association are delighted to confirm an evening with current Reading Football club central defenders Paul McShane and John O'Shea. The two Irish internationals are sure to provide a fascinating evening after long careers at the highest level of the game. Tickets are now on sale for the evening which is at the Tilehurst British Legion Club on Thursday 21 February 2019, and will be hosted by former Reading and Wales central defender Ady Williams.

McShane and O'Shea have plenty in common and share over 150 international caps between them having played together for the Republic of Ireland. Both players also started their professional careers at Manchester United. McShane played in the FA Youth Cup final for the Red Devils before loan spells at Brighton and West Bromwich Albion.

O'Shea moved from the United academy into the first team where he established himself as a firm favourite after making his debut in 1999. He enjoyed a hugely successful time with Manchester United as part of the famous team that won the Premier League title five times. He eventually left the club in 2011, to move to Sunderland, after making 256 appearances and scoring 10 goals. O'Shea then spent six more seasons in the Premier League with Sunderland and moved to Reading in 2018.

Paul McShane also spent time at Sunderland in the Premier League, before O'Shea's arrival, but moved to Hull City initially on loan in 2008 before going on to make 102 appearances for The Tigers. McShane signed for Reading in the Summer of 2015 and has played 95 times for the Royals and was named as club captain.

The Association are delighted that former central defender Ady Williams will again host our event. After a two long spells with the Royals as a player, Ady now hosts coverage of Reading FC on BBC Radio Berkshire. To secure your place at what will be a popular event please purchase on-line now from our events page.